Hughes the difference as Liberty wins central Ohio’s first title
When senior forward Charlie Hughes joined the Olentangy Liberty hockey program before this season, his goals were to have fun and help the Patriots win their first state title.
His mission became a history-making success.
Hughes scored four goals Sunday, leading Liberty to a 6-2 win over Hunting Valley University School in the state final at Nationwide Arena. The Patriots became the first Central District team to win the OHSAA hockey title.
“Buying into it was a huge part,” Hughes said. “We knew coming in what we had to do. We knew what we had and everyone stuck to it. That's the biggest part − just trust yourself, trust your teammates, trust your coaches. We all bought into that, and it showed here.”
Liberty previously advanced to state in 2011, 2013 and 2017, losing in a semifinal each time.
Since the tournament began in 1978, Dublin Jerome in 2019 had been the only team from the Columbus area to reach the final.
With Hughes putting on a show on the Blue Jackets' home ice, Liberty students in the crowd chanted “Charlie” several times during the game. Hughes played with the AAA Blue Jackets as a freshman and sophomore and with the AAA Titans in Middletown, New Jersey, last season.
“Charlie was the difference that these guys needed (this season), and I don't think they would argue with that,” coach Kevin Alexander said. “These guys just needed one more push over the top . ... This team wasn't going to be denied.”
Another key addition was junior defenseman Jack Hamilton, who also played at the AAA level. He dislocated his right shoulder in the first period but returned to the game.
The Patriots finished 39-1-1, losing to Lakewood St. Edward 3-0 on Nov. 27 and tying Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit at 2 on Jan. 15.
“This means a lot to these guys,” Alexander said. “I know these guys are going to be proud to put their mark on the fact that not only are we the first in central Ohio, but also Olentangy Liberty. It took everything we had. I know these guys are proud of it. It's pretty awesome.”
Liberty jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second period, with Hughes completing a hat trick with the fourth goal.
Samonte Martin and Luke Palmer each scored to help the Preppers (29-9-1)
cut the deficit in half after two periods.
Liberty regained control with Hughes' fourth goal at 9:25 of the third, and Vinny Rengel capped the scoring with an empty-net goal at 11:58.
Carson Reynolds also scored for Liberty and Jake Struck had three assists.
Liberty goalie Robbie Cook had 18 saves, and University School's Noah Caballero made 38.
Liberty's dominance this season also was evident in a 10-1 win over Upper Arlington in the district final March 4, avenging a 3-2 loss to the Golden Bears in that round last season. The Patriots then upset Cleveland St. Ignatius 4-3 in a state semifinal Saturday.
St. Ignatius was ranked first in the state and Liberty was second, according to Myhockeyrankings.com. University School was ranked fourth.